WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY AND JUBILEE OF JOURNALISTS

VATICAN CITY, JUN 4, 2000 (VIS) - Pope John Paul, before reciting the Regina Coeli, reminded the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square that "today in many parts of the world the Ascension of Jesus into heaven is celebrated. ... Thus, the public life of Jesus concludes and the missionary expansion of the Church starts," when "Christ's disciples began to spread everywhere the word of salvation."

"Announcing and witnessing to Christ! This is the mission of every baptized person. And today's celebration of World Communications Day makes direct reference to that mission with its theme: 'Announcing Christ in the Means of Communication at the Dawn of the New Millennium'. ... Precisely to underline the importance of the media, which represents a pastoral priority for the Church, it was decided to celebrate on this occasion the Jubilee of Journalists whom I personally will have the joy of meeting in a short time."

The Holy Father observed that "journalists and professionals in social communications and everyone who, in any way, works in this sector, is asked to discharge their mission in a responsible way, aware that when one works while respecting the truth, one renders a precious service to the truth itself, and thus to mankind."

After reciting the noon prayer, the Pope greeted the numerous groups present in the square, including pilgrims who came on horseback from Viterbo, Italy, oarsmen who had participated in a regata on the Tiber, a theater group, and musical bands from throughout Italy.

ANG;COMMUNICATIONS;...;...;VIS;20000605;Word: 250;